How to Grow and Care for Pineapple Lily

Pineapple lily is a flower bulb but it is not a pineapple or a true lily. Pineapple lily plants have flower stalks that form tiny, star-like blooms that open in a cylindrical raceme from the bottom up, and finally develop a little crown of leafy bracts, like the feathers on a cap. This pineapple-shaped plant grows best in warmer, somewhat humid areas, requires full sun to dappled shade, coarse well-draining soil, and thrives in temperatures that consistently stay above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pineapple Lily Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a pineapple lily.

• Provide full sun and good drainage for healthy pineapple lilies, as they are native to the coarse soils of South Africa.
• Start with large bulbs, which will produce multiple flower stalks on unusual, burgundy-speckled stems.
• When planting in the springtime, bury the bulbs at least 5 inches in the ground to help them overwinter in hardy areas.
• Store bulbs in a cool, dark, and very dry place for the winter.

Light

Pineapple lilies grow and bloom best in full sun. In southern gardens, some afternoon shade may help to prevent foliage from browning due to strong sunlight.

Soil

Despite their lush appearance, pineapple lilies are not tropical plants and they grow well in rocky soil. Cactus or orchid potting mixes work well in containers, or your own potting mix blend, as long as it drains well.

Water

Water your pineapple lilies when the soil surface feels dry. However, stop watering them in the fall, as keeping the bulbs dry during the winter is essential.

Temperature and Humidity

Pineapple lilies don't grow well in cool weather. Temperatures over 65 degrees Fahrenheit will signal the plants that it's time to grow. Dig up your bulbs in the fall to store them inside if you live north of zone 7. The plants tolerate all humidity types, as long as the soil itself isn't soggy.

Fertilizer

A balanced flower fertilizer every two weeks will help your pineapple lilies grow large and vigorous. Plants that are fertilized are also more likely to produce offsets. For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.

Types of Pineapple Lily

Popular pineapple lily species and cultivars or hybrids include:

• Eucomis comosa 'Joy's Purple': This variety has deep purple flowers as well as purple foliage.
• Eucomis comosa 'Cornwood': This variety bears late-season creamy flowers with maroon centers.
• Eucomis autumnalis (Autumn pineapple flower): This blooms from midsummer to mid-fall.
• Aloha Lily: This hybrid dwarf series includes 'Lieia' with burgundy flowers, 'Maui' with white flowers, and 'Nani' with soft pink flowers.

Pruning

Pineapple lilies need no pruning when they are actively growing. All plants will enter winter dormancy, even in warm areas, and this is the time to remove dead and dying foliage to tidy up the plants.

Propagating Pineapple Lily

Though you can collect the shiny black seeds from pineapple lilies when flowering is finished, this method is not recommended for several reasons. The seeds from cultivars won't produce plants that are identical to the parent and seeds can take several years to reach blooming size. The easiest way to increase your stock of pineapple lilies is to take offsets from the bulbs: Dig up the bulbs in the spring, remove the offsets and plant them in the ground at the same depth as the parent. Replant the original bulb.

Pineapple lilies also can be propagated from leaf cuttings. Here's how it's done:

1. In midsummer, if it does not rain, water the plant well the day before taking a cutting. Using a new, sterilized razor blade or sharp knife, cut off a large, healthy leaf.
2. Cut the leaf into 2- to 3-inch long sections and trim the bottom part of each cutting into the shape of a V so it's easier to insert into the growing medium.
3. Dip all the cut ends at the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone
4. Insert the cuttings in a large, flat pot with good drainage holes. The pot should be filled with moistened potting mix. The cut side of the cutting needs to be completely buried.
5. Place the pot in a bright location but away from direct sunlight.
6. Keep it moist but not soggy at all times.
7. When you gently tug on the cuttings and they don't move easily, new roots have formed. Leave the cuttings in the container for a few more weeks until you see new growth before transplanting them in the garden.
   

Potting and Repotting

Pineapple lilies growing in pots don't need to be planted as deeply as those in the ground; they need to sink only about 3 inches. Plant three to five bulbs in a 12-inch diameter pot. Choose chunky or coarse potting mix and a container with adequate drainage holes. Do not place a dish that collects water under the pot; use pot feet to let water drain away. If keeping the pot outdoors, move the container out of the rain to keep the soil well-drained in wet climates.

Overwintering

Keeping bulbs dry during winter dormancy is important to plant survival. If you have mild but wet winters, you should dig up the bulbs and store them indoors to provide the necessary dry dormancy.

Common Pests

Pineapple lily is not susceptible to any serious diseases or pests. The only significant threat to this plant is aphids, which is a common problem with many indoor and outdoor plants. Remove them naturally with a blast of water.

How to Get Pineapple Lily to Bloom

How Long Does Pineapple Lily Bloom?

The pineapple lily has a long bloom period of about eight weeks in the summer, starting around May or June. The flowering begins at the bottom of the stalk and proceeds upward.

What Do Pineapple Lily Flowers Look and Smell Like?

The tiny, delicate flowers are greenish-white tinged with purple. These long-lasting blooms make a good cut flower, save for one feature: they have a distinct odor designed to attract pollinating flies, though to some, the petals have a somewhat pleasant smell.

How to Encourage More Blooms

If your plant isn't blooming, it could be a lack of sunlight. After propagating the plant from cuttings, it can take a couple of years for it to bloom so your new pineapple lily might be simply too young to bloom.

Caring for Pineapple Lily After It Blooms

Pineapple lilies don't require much care after blooming. Cut spent flower heads if they look messy. Remove dead leaves in the fall. Remove bulbs and dry them off for winter storage.

Common Problems With Pineapple Lily

Although this plant is hardy and low-maintenance, it can still experience a couple of problems. Watch for these issues:

Drooping, Wilting Leaves

The plant may be overwatered. A more advanced sign of overwatering the pineapple lily is yellowing leaves. The base of the plant may begin to blacken, as well, when there are overwatering problems.

Scorched Leaves

The flower is getting too much bright sun and becoming scorched by the intense light and heat.

From: thespruce